Potassium Carbonate

POTASSIUM CARBONATE

Potassium Carbonate (K₂CO₃) is an inorganic compound with an extensive role in pharmaceutical laboratories. It has its other names as, Potash of Carbonic acid, Pearl ash, and Dipotassium Carbonate. It serves as a drying agent. It is the salt of carbonate, considered a good source of potassium. It is freely soluble in water and has hygroscopic properties. At high temperatures, it decomposes and loses carbon dioxide. Its appearance is deliquescent white solid, with cubic crystals. The structure of anhydrous Potassium Carbonate crystals is monoclinic.

USES AND APPLICATIONS FOR Potassium Carbonate

INDUSTRIES

It is used in numerous industrial applications like:-

• It operates as a catalyst in most chemical reactions and speeds up the rate of reaction.
• It is used as a mild dry agent in various fields as it is hygroscopic.
• It serves in making grass jelly.
• It is usually used in welding flux.
• It is used as a buffering agent for the production of wire.
• It works as a fire suppressant.
• It is used in the manufacture of soap and cosmetics.
• It is helpful to soften hard water and raw wool washing.
• It serves as a dehydrating agent.
• It is utilized in tanning leather.

Preparation

Potassium Carbonate is obtained easily by electrolysis of potassium chloride and then followed the exposing resultant to potassium to carbon dioxide.

Physical Properties

Its appearance is a colorless crystalline powder. Its anhydrous form has a monoclinic structure. It is insoluble in water, but not soluble in alcohol and toluene. On decomposing, it emits toxic fumes of potassium oxide. On direct exposure, it can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. It has an alkaline taste with hygroscopic properties. It is weakly acidic as it forms an alkaline solution.

Chemical Properties

• It reacts with non-metals and water.
• It is explosively reactive with acids.
• It is insoluble in acetone and ethanol etc.